The first series of Camau Cerdd (Steps in Music) project in Denbigh has come to an end, and Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias are delighted to announce that the series has been a huge success.
The Camau Cerdd project has been developed in partnership between Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias and musician Marie-Claire Howorth since 2007. The project’s tutor in Denbigh is Charlotte Green who also tutors in areas of Gwynedd and Anglesey following the recent expansion of the project.
The project’s aim is to offer music tuition for children from the very start. An education in music has the potential to empower the body and brain: develop literacy and communication; emotional intelligence; numeracy; coordination; memory and social skills. Camau Cerdd also develops a firm basis for further musical learning when the children go on to start one-to-one instrumental or singing lessons.
Support was received by Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych and Denbighshire Arts Service to develop the project in Denbigh and two sessions for different age groups were held:
Camau Cyntaf Cerdd (First Steps in Music) sessions for children between 15 months and 3 years old were held at the HWB Dinbych. They provided a general introduction to the world of music and also inspired parents and carers to use music confidently with their children at home.
Camau Nesaf (Next Steps in Music) is for children between 4 and 7 years old and the sessions were held in Theatr Twm o’r Nant where the Music Centre also provides one to one music tuition for children and adults. The aim of these music sessions that were held through the medium of Welsh is to develop the children’s understanding of music in a fun way through games, sol-fa and musical instruments.
A special session was held on the last week to celebrate the success of the series. Menter Iaith arranged for everyone to have a “panad” and cake and the end of the session, giving everyone the opportunity to socialise and reflect on the series.
The children of the Next Steps classes gave their parents an informal concert to show them the progress they have made over the series. The children were proud to show them what they had learnt including singing sol-fa, playing the pentatonic scale on bells, showing their parents the different rhythms and finishing by dancing as they played a Latin-American rhythm on Clave.
The parents were very proud to see their children enjoying themselves as they got a taste of what they had been learning. Elin Jones said:
‘My child enjoyed the sessions very much. I have been hearing her singing do re mi often. The activities are fun, colourful and memorable. Thanks to Charlotte for being so lively and friendly’.
Charlotte Green, Camau Cerdd tutor explains the importance of the project:
‘By the time children start their musical education at school or start receiving instrumental or singing lessons, Steps in Music will have already given them a firm grasp of the world of music –understanding rhythm, being able to read music, have a knowledge of different instruments and the sounds that they make, and being able to listen and express themselves through music’.
The next series of Camau Cerdd will start in Denbigh on the 11th of January with many of the children looking forward to continuing in their musical learning. New members are welcome. To book a space for your child, download the registration form or contact us.
